Cofis Euro hero McMullan returns to his parent club

He will forever be remembered at Caernarfon Town as a major star of their debut European campaign.

Goalkeeper Stephen McMullan has spent the last six months at The Oval on loan from Fleetwood Town, but has now been recalled by the League Two club.

It has been an amazing adventure for the 20-year-old Irishman, who played in all four of the Cofis’ Uefa Europa Conference League games last summer before this season featuring in 13 Cymru Premier League matches, two Nathaniel MG Cup ties and a JD Welsh Cup encounter..

Twenty appearances in all for the Canaries, but there is no doubt which game stands out the most.

McMullan wrote himself into Caernarfon Town folklore with his heroics in the Europa Conference League first qualifying round, second leg clash with Crusaders of Northern Ireland on July 18, 2024.

Leading 2-0 from the first leg, Town went 1-0 up in Belfast, but the hosts fought back to win 3-1 and take the tie to penalties.

It was here McMullan came into his own, saving two pens and scoring one himself as the Cofis advanced 8-7 on spot kicks to become just the fourth Cymru Premier club to win a debut European tie.

McMullan also played in both legs of Caernarfon’s second qualifying round loss to Polish giants Legia Warsaw.

The young Northern Ireland born stopper, who turned 20 on December 30, began his senior career with Warrenpoint Town of the NIFL Premiership.

In May 2022, he signed a two-year contract with then EFL League One club Fleetwood Town and made three first team appearances for the Cod Army before switching to Caernarfon on loan in July 2024.

McMullan has represented Northern Ireland at under-18, U19 and U21 level, plus the Republic of Ireland U18s.

On his recall to parent club Fleetwood, Caernarfon Town commented: “Stephen has been excellent for us this season and we feel sure he will excel in the professional game.”